Inner Resilience
Water. Flow. Change. Adaptability. Movement.
While the earth element offers stability and grounding, the water element offers movement and flow. The element of water is by nature resilient. During these uncertain times, and anytime in our lives, it can be difficult to flow with change. We may find ourselves bracing against it, or holding on to a vision of normalcy and comfort. The practice of Yoga teaches us to be present in the moment, to yield and lean in to the moment, when our being may want to move into the push and pull of attachment and aversion. The element of Water reminds us of our natural capacity to flow with the changing tides of life, to move with the changes, rather than brace against them, or cling onto an idea or expectation of what we think our lives should be.
When we invite water into our awareness, we also invite in movement. I consider this movement as the nature of consciousness itself (more about this in the meditation practice!), our consciousness is by nature, fluid, meaning that we do not have to be stuck in rigid thoughts or ideas, that our consciousness itself can move and change. This is especially helpful with regards to addictive habits, behaviors, and thought/ feeling patterns. We have the capacity to change our thoughts, our habits, and our behaviors, to move through challenge, to support being our best selves.
‘Feeling is the key to the present moment. It anchors us in experience. ‘ (Michael Stone; the Inner Tradition of Yoga).
As well, in the Yogic energy anatomy, the water element is associated with the 2nd Chakra energy centre (located in the hips and pelvis/ sacrum/ below the navel), which is our emotional feeling centre. The waters of emotion run deep. We have the choice to dive only as deep as is comfortable and within our capacity. The inquiry of water is the inquiry of emotion, and so I encourage you to be present with emotional sensation, trusting that the earth element and your inner resource of grounding is there to support you, and the element of water comes through to cleanse and flow. E – motion is ‘energy in motion’, so know that feelings, by nature, will change. What remains is the essential self, the compassionate witness, watching the unfolding changes from a place of love and kindness.
Water may change its form, freezing and condensing, but it is still water. Just as our state of being may be in flux, we are still who we are, in our essence. Yoga can reveal this.
Water Element Yoga Practice:
Water Element Meditation: filmed by the shores of the Sagonaska (aka the Moira River).
Outer Resilience
Emergency preparedness guidelines suggest having at least 2 weeks of water reserves on hand.. just in case. Water is life, after all! Consider also having water filtration options as well, we have used Berkey Filters and Life Straws. On our homestead, we have been working hard to rig up systems to collect rainwater, which we use for a variety of purposes. Having some rainwater on hand to water gardens and as a back up resource is a great idea for any household, if possible. As well, be sure to stay well hydrated, let this water element inquiry remind you to drink plenty of good, pure water. This will support your immune system and your nervous system. As well, let’s do our best to be stewards of the water, advocating for healthy water systems and doing our part to keep the waters of our planet healthy!